CNA Certification (Written Exam)Activities of Daily LivingHard
A CNA is assisting a resident who uses a walker to ambulate to the bathroom. The resident suddenly reports feeling dizzy and weak. What is the CNA's IMMEDIATE priority action?
- ACall for help from another staff member.
- BHelp the resident back to bed immediately.
- CGuide the resident to the floor safely.
- DOffer the resident a glass of water.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Guide the resident to the floor safely.
If a resident reports dizziness and weakness while ambulating, the immediate priority is to prevent a fall by guiding them safely to the floor. This minimizes injury compared to attempting to get them back to bed or waiting for help, which could result in a hard fall.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Calling for help is important, but a fall can happen before help arrives. Direct action to prevent injury is first.
- B. Attempting to get them back to bed while they are dizzy and weak increases the risk of a fall during the transfer.
- D. Offering water is not an immediate solution for dizziness and weakness during ambulation and delays fall prevention.
Fall Prevention (During Ambulation)
Immediate actions taken to prevent serious injury when a resident becomes unstable or reports dizziness while ambulating.
- Prioritize guiding resident safely to the floor.
- Do not try to hold them up by yourself.
- Call for help after the resident is safe.
Memory trick: Dizzy to the Ground, Safely Found.